US20070181009A1 - Device for heating liquids, in particular milk - Google Patents

Device for heating liquids, in particular milk Download PDF

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Publication number
US20070181009A1
US20070181009A1 US10/588,894 US58889404A US2007181009A1 US 20070181009 A1 US20070181009 A1 US 20070181009A1 US 58889404 A US58889404 A US 58889404A US 2007181009 A1 US2007181009 A1 US 2007181009A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
container
heating
heating device
heating element
thermal
Prior art date
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Abandoned
Application number
US10/588,894
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English (en)
Inventor
Francesco Ranzoni
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication of US20070181009A1 publication Critical patent/US20070181009A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J27/00—Cooking-vessels
    • A47J27/56—Preventing boiling over, e.g. of milk
    • A47J27/62—Preventing boiling over, e.g. of milk by devices for automatically controlling the heat supply by switching off heaters or for automatically lifting the cooking-vessels

Definitions

  • a device for heating liquids, particularly milk, forms the subject of the present invention.
  • Devices for hearing liquids comprising an electrical resistance with more or less constant resistivity, generally placed at the bottom of a container.
  • Such devices have some important drawbacks, above all when used for heating milk or other similar liquids. Indeed, it is known that milk tends to adhere to the bottom and to the walls of the container, and to burn in the case of overheating. That involves a difficult cleaning operation for the used container.
  • the milk tends to increase in volume and to overflow out of the container.
  • the problem at the heart of the present invention is that of proposing a device for heating liquids, particularly milk, which has such structural and functional characteristics as to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks cited in reference to the prior art.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective and exploded view of a heating device according to the present invention comprising a heating element
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a graph of the power supplied by the heating element as a function of the heating time and in relation to the temperature
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an explanatory diagram of the percentage of foam in the milk, obtained manually by emulsifying, as a function of the temperature reached by the milk itself;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an explanatory diagram of the percentage of foam in the milk, obtained manually by emulsifying, as a function of the temperature reached by the milk itself, after three minutes from the emulsion stage.
  • the heating device 10 comprises a container 12 suitable to receive the liquid to be heated.
  • the container 12 has a cylindrical conformation.
  • the container 12 is made of 18/10 stainless steel, for example by drawing.
  • the container 12 is operatively associated with heating means, advantageously comprising a heating element 18 suitable for providing power which is variable over time, and hence as a function of the temperature reached by the liquid.
  • heating element 18 is suitable for reducing the power delivered over time and hence with the increasing temperature of the liquid.
  • the heating element 18 or PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heating element is suitable for providing variable power over time as a function of the temperature reached by the milk, as in the enclosed graph ( FIG. 2 ).
  • the heating element 18 is positioned in such a way as to heat the bottom 14 of the container 12 , for example from the outside of the container itself.
  • a thermal diffuser 20 may be further provided, fitted for example between the heating element 18 and the container 12 in order to distribute the heat generated by the heating element.
  • the thermal diffuser 20 is advantageously fitted between the heating element and the bottom 14 of the container itself, in order to distribute the heat generated by the heating element over the entire bottom surface.
  • the thermal diffuser 20 is made in the shape of a small plate or disk, placed in contact with the bottom 14 of the container 12 .
  • the thermal diffuser 20 is made of aluminium.
  • the contact between the thermal diffuser 20 and the bottom 14 of the container is mediated through a layer of conductive paste, for example produced by Dow Corning, capable of improving the thermal conductivity.
  • a layer of conductive paste for example produced by Dow Corning
  • the contact between the heating element 18 and the thermal diffuser 20 may also be mediated by a layer of conductive paste.
  • any loss of contact between the surface of the heating element 18 and the surface of the thermal diffuser 20 , and between the surface of the thermal diffuser 20 and the bottom 14 of the container is thus reduced.
  • the thermal diffuser 20 may be provided with through holes 24 adapted to receiving the aforesaid rods.
  • the heating device 10 further comprises a thermal sensor 26 operatively connected with the heating element 18 in order to disconnect it upon reaching a pre-determined temperature.
  • the thermal sensor 26 may be adapted to detecting the temperature at the bottom 14 of the container 12 .
  • the thermal sensor 26 is positioned externally, in direct contact with the bottom 14 of the container 12 .
  • the thermal diffuser 20 and the thermal sensor 26 have an aperture 28 in order to receive the thermal sensor 26 and allow that the latter faces directly towards the bottom 14 of the container 12 .
  • the heating element 18 , and the thermal diffuser 20 , and the thermal sensor 26 are foreseen, these three elements are mounted bundled together against the bottom 14 of the container 12 , preferably on the outer surface of the same.
  • an arm 30 may be advantageously provided for fixing the heating element 18 , the thermal diffuser 20 and the thermal sensor 26 to the bottom 14 of the container 12 , for example through the connecting rods 22 .
  • the heating device 10 may advantageously comprise a closing element 32 suitable for housing the heating element 18 .
  • the closing element 32 may be adapted to being externally mounted to the bottom 14 of the container 12 .
  • the closing element 32 is adapted to maintaining the container 12 in the upright position.
  • the closing element 32 performs the function of a stand with dimensions slightly larger than those of the container 12 , and is adapted to being rested on an electrical base for supplying the heating element.
  • the closing element 32 is adapted to housing an electrical connecter 34 for supplying the heating element.
  • the closing element 32 may be suitable for housing the thermal diffuser 20 , and the thermal sensor 26 , and the heating element 18 , and the electrical connecter 34 advantageously fitted between the closing element itself and the bottom 14 of the container 12 .
  • the closing element 32 may be advantageously fixed to the bottom 14 of the container 12 , for example by using shaped nuts 36 adapted to being tightened onto the connecting rods 22 .
  • the heating device 10 comprises a piston with perforated surfaces, adapted to be fitted into the container 12 in order to emulsify the liquid, particularly the milk, with air and create a foam suitable for making hot beverages such as for example so-called cappuccino.
  • the thermal diffuser 20 is fitted over the connecting rods 22 .
  • the thermal sensor 26 is fitted into the aperture 28 and the heating element 18 is placed in close contact with the thermal diffuser 20 .
  • the arm 30 is fitted over the connecting rods 22 so as to lock bundled together the thermal diffuser 20 , the thermal sensor 26 and the heating element 18 , for example by using locking nuts 38 .
  • the conductive paste is previously spread between the bottom of the container and the thermal diffuser, and between the latter and the heating element.
  • the closing element 32 which holds the electrical connecter 34 inside, is fitted over the bottom 14 of the container 12 and locked onto the connecting rods 22 using shaped nuts 36 .
  • An electrical base for the supply, not shown, suitable for receiving the closing element 32 is provided in order to complete the device.
  • the liquid inside the container 12 is heated by activating the heating element 18 , for example by using a switch, not shown, or by placing the container on the relevant electrical supply base.
  • Power is distributed by the heating element 18 in a variable manner over time, for example according to the enclosed graph ( FIG. 2 ), whereby, with the increase in temperature, particularly the temperature of the milk, the power distributed by the heating element diminishes.
  • the heating element is thus able to auto-regulate itself.
  • the graph in FIG. 2 shows with the continuous line, the power (W) distributed by the heating element, and with the dotted line, the temperature (° C.) assimilable with the temperature reached by the liquid in the container.
  • On the X axis is indicated the elapsed heating time (seconds) from 0 to 300.
  • the temperature values (° C.) On the Y axes to the left are reported the temperature values (° C.) from 0 to 100 with reference to the dotted line of the graph.
  • On the Y axes to the right are reported the power values (W) from 0 to 25 with reference to the continuous line on the graph.
  • the thermal sensor 26 disconnects the heating element.
  • the heating element 18 is of such a type that the power provided by it is modulated as a function of the temperature reached by the milk within the container, so that, coinciding with the heating of the milk, there is a progressive reduction of the thermal energy provided, thus avoiding the overheating of the bottom which would otherwise bring about the burning of the milk.
  • the piston is lowered and raised within the container in order to emulsify the air and liquid.
  • the mechanical action of the piston emulsifies the air with the milk producing foam, suitable for example for being added to coffee in order to obtain so-called cappuccino.
  • a heating device allows the heating of liquids, particularly milk, avoiding the conventional drawbacks of burning on the walls of the container and/or the overflow of the liquid from the container whilst also allowing the accomplishment of the heating stage within a time considered reasonable for domestic use.
  • the overheating of the milk on the bottom of the container is avoided, thus as a result avoiding that residues of burnt or overheated milk become attached to the bottom, thus proving difficult to remove.
  • a heating element which distributes variable power over time as a function of the temperature and which is disconnected upon reaching a defined temperature, allows the attainment of maximum results in the case where it is desired to heat an amount of milk in order to create foam through mechanical action, in that it allows a defined temperature to be rapidly and precisely reached, with limited variation from the optimal value.
  • the enclosed graph in FIG. 3 indicates, as a function of the temperature of the milk and the type of milk, the percentage of foam obtained at the end of the mechanical milk/air emulsifying operation.
  • the graph enclosed in FIG. 4 indicates, as a function of the temperature of the milk and the type of milk, the permanence of the previously obtained foam, or rather the percentage of foam present three minutes after formation.
  • the line marked with small squares indicates the results obtained with semi-skimmed milk
  • that marked by triangles indicates the results obtained with skimmed milk
  • that marked with rhombuses indicates the results obtained with whole milk.
  • the two dotted lines indicate respectively the minimum temperature and the maximum temperature for an optimal emulsifying stage.
  • the optimal emulsion interval is therefore comprised of between 60° C. and 80° C.
  • the graphs report the milk temperature (° C.) on the X axis and on the Y axis the percentage (%) of foam, calculated according to the following method.
  • the emulsified milk is poured into a graduated cylinder and the total height H of the milk/foam together and the height h of the foam by itself are measured.
  • the ratio (h/H)*100 provides the value indicated on the Y axis of the graph of FIG. 3 .
  • the measurement is repeated three minutes after emulsifying and provides the value indicated on the Y axis of the graph of FIG. 4 .
  • the ratio (h/H)*100 provides the value indicated on the Y axes of the enclosed graphs ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) immediately following emulsifying or following a period of three minutes after emulsifying, respectively.
  • the heating device allows reaching the desired temperature with precision in a way that the result obtained is regardless of the level of ability and the attention of the user.
  • the variable power heating element allows modulating the power supplied over time, reducing it with the increasing temperature of the liquid, thus avoiding overheating as previously described.
  • the thermal sensor allows the milk to reach a defined temperature, ensuring a prompt response in disconnecting the heating element. Indeed, the latter, despite managing to efficiently modulate the power supplied as a function of the temperature of the milk, may respond slowly in reducing/stopping the power supplied at the time of reaching the optimal emulsifying temperature, due to the thermal inertia of the components wherein it is mounted, which, instead allow for an optimal heating stage.
  • the presence of a variable power heating element allows avoiding the above mentioned drawbacks though keeping down the heating time.
  • a thermal diffuser preferably an aluminium disk between the heating element and the container bottom, contributes towards distributing the heat over a broad surface, so as to improve its transmission with the consequent increase in thermal yield.
  • conductive paste both between the heating element and the thermal diffuser and between the thermal diffuser and the container bottom.
  • the safety of not exceeding such optimum temperature range is ensured by the presence of the thermal sensor, preferably in direct contact with the container bottom, which promptly interrupts the power supplied by the heating element.
  • the disconnection of the heating element be intimated by a signal, for example acoustic or luminous, so as to allow proceeding to the subsequent manual mechanical emulsifying stage.
  • a further advantage of the device according to the invention resides in the unusual structural simplicity of the same, which allows its production at very limited cost.
  • the heating element may be differently positioned, for example so as to heat the side walls of the container. Furthermore, it could be provided inside the container in such a way as to be isolated from the contents.
  • the thermal diffuser could have different shapes, preferably favouring shapes which allow increasing the contact surface with the container. According to one possible embodiment the thermal diffuser is integrally fixed to the heating element.
  • closing element 32 may have different shape or dimensions, for example extending along the side wall of the container in the case where the heating element faces onto such area of the container.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)
  • Dairy Products (AREA)
  • Edible Oils And Fats (AREA)
US10/588,894 2004-03-12 2004-03-12 Device for heating liquids, in particular milk Abandoned US20070181009A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IT2004/000121 WO2005087065A1 (en) 2004-03-12 2004-03-12 A device for heating liquids, in particular milk

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20070181009A1 true US20070181009A1 (en) 2007-08-09

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US10/588,894 Abandoned US20070181009A1 (en) 2004-03-12 2004-03-12 Device for heating liquids, in particular milk

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US20070181009A1 (de)
EP (1) EP1722661B1 (de)
CN (1) CN100528047C (de)
AT (1) ATE382283T1 (de)
CA (1) CA2555337A1 (de)
DE (1) DE602004011122T2 (de)
ES (1) ES2300751T3 (de)
TW (1) TW200536503A (de)
WO (1) WO2005087065A1 (de)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160130128A1 (en) * 2013-05-06 2016-05-12 Imbrue Systems, Llc Imbrue keg infusion apparatus and system
US20170144577A1 (en) * 2015-11-23 2017-05-25 Hyundai Motor Company Cup holder for vehicle
CN107364381A (zh) * 2016-05-11 2017-11-21 现代自动车株式会社 用于车辆的杯架

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2131625B1 (de) 2008-03-19 2012-11-21 Rational AG Gargerät mit einer Heizplatte mit einem Thermoelement
CN101721130B (zh) * 2008-10-17 2011-12-07 林志鹏 电加热锅防溢控制方法
CN101862111A (zh) * 2010-06-18 2010-10-20 陆流 一种微电节能焖烧锅
US9782036B2 (en) 2015-02-24 2017-10-10 Ember Technologies, Inc. Heated or cooled portable drinkware
CN107613817B (zh) * 2015-03-30 2021-05-07 布瑞威利私人有限公司 使奶起泡的改进装置和方法
CN104887091B (zh) * 2015-06-18 2018-08-28 陈少军 暖奶器用内凹式电加热锅
CN106123356A (zh) * 2016-08-31 2016-11-16 李佳达 液体加热器及液体加热方法
US10433672B2 (en) 2018-01-31 2019-10-08 Ember Technologies, Inc. Actively heated or cooled infant bottle system
CN111134528B (zh) * 2018-11-06 2021-10-15 佛山市顺德区美的电热电器制造有限公司 加热控制方法、加热控制装置、存储介质及液体加热容器
CN114431702B (zh) * 2020-11-04 2023-05-05 佛山市顺德区美的电热电器制造有限公司 控制方法、控制装置、压力烹饪器具和存储介质
CN113662421B (zh) * 2021-09-02 2022-12-16 广东美的厨房电器制造有限公司 烹饪器具及其控制方法和控制装置、可读存储介质

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
LU83219A1 (fr) * 1981-03-16 1983-02-22 Seb Sa Appareil particulierement destine a chauffer les aliments liquides ou pateux
DE4312683A1 (de) * 1993-04-20 1994-10-27 Hydro Geraetebau Gmbh & Co Kg Flüssigkeitsbehälter mit zumindest einer elektrischen Heizquelle
DE4418546A1 (de) * 1994-05-27 1996-02-01 Rolf Ritter Kochgefäß mit Eigenheizung

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160130128A1 (en) * 2013-05-06 2016-05-12 Imbrue Systems, Llc Imbrue keg infusion apparatus and system
US10252901B2 (en) * 2013-05-06 2019-04-09 Imbrue Systems, Llc Imbrue keg infusion apparatus and system
US20170144577A1 (en) * 2015-11-23 2017-05-25 Hyundai Motor Company Cup holder for vehicle
CN107364381A (zh) * 2016-05-11 2017-11-21 现代自动车株式会社 用于车辆的杯架

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW200536503A (en) 2005-11-16
EP1722661B1 (de) 2008-01-02
WO2005087065A1 (en) 2005-09-22
DE602004011122T2 (de) 2008-12-18
CN1929765A (zh) 2007-03-14
DE602004011122D1 (de) 2008-02-14
CN100528047C (zh) 2009-08-19
CA2555337A1 (en) 2005-09-22
EP1722661A1 (de) 2006-11-22
ES2300751T3 (es) 2008-06-16
ATE382283T1 (de) 2008-01-15

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